Milk Thistle
Nature's Way
Milk Thistle
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(2529 ratings)
Milk Thistle 175 mg
Score 75.0
A reliable, standardized milk thistle supplement with a good silymarin dose, offering effective liver support.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Detoxification
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 75.0
A reliable, standardized milk thistle supplement with a good silymarin dose, offering effective liver support.
insights Analysis
This Nature's Way product offers 175mg of Milk Thistle seed extract standardized to Silymarin, along with 120mg of Blessed Thistle. The 175mg Silymarin is a good standard dose for liver support. Blessed Thistle is often used for digestive support and sometimes associated with 'cleansing,' but its direct contribution to liver detoxification compared to milk thistle is less established. Overall, it's a solid, standardized milk thistle product from a reputable brand.
- Standardized to 175mg Silymarin.
- Reputable brand.
- Blessed Thistle addition might not be necessary for primary milk thistle goals, though not harmful.
$13.81($0.23 per serving)
 Pure Formulas | $ 13.81 | |
 iHerb | $ 13.88 | |
 Amazon | $ 13.88 | |
 Vitacost | $ 17.19 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Milk Thistle, primarily through its active compound silymarin, is widely studied for its potential to support liver health. Research suggests it may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to liver cells. However, more comprehensive studies are ongoing to fully understand its extent of effectiveness.
Historically, Milk Thistle has been used in relation to alcoholic liver disease, and some studies suggest it may help shield liver cells from alcohol-related harm. While it shows potential, it is not considered a cure or a replacement for conventional medical treatment and abstinence. Its role is primarily supportive.
Milk Thistle is often associated with supporting the liver's natural detoxification processes due to its antioxidant properties. It may help protect liver cells from damage by harmful substances. However, the human body has its own efficient detoxification systems, and the term 'detoxification' can be broadly interpreted.
The general scientific consensus is that Milk Thistle shows promise as a supportive supplement for liver health, backed by traditional use and some research. While it's not a proven cure for severe liver diseases, it's considered a potentially beneficial agent for liver protection. More large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully confirm its efficacy for various conditions.
Some preliminary studies indicate Milk Thistle may offer benefits for individuals with NAFLD, potentially by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. Despite promising early findings, the current scientific evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a primary treatment. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Typical daily dosages of Milk Thistle extract often range from 200 mg to 400 mg, standardized to 70-80% silymarin. Some research has explored higher doses for specific contexts. For general use, dosages usually fall within the 200-400 mg range, often divided into multiple smaller doses throughout the day.
Milk Thistle is generally recommended to be taken with food. This can help improve the absorption of its active compounds, particularly silymarin. Taking it with food may also help reduce the likelihood of minor digestive upset.
Many formulations of Milk Thistle recommend taking it two to three times per day. Dividing the daily dose helps maintain consistent levels of its active compounds in the body. Always refer to the specific product label for detailed instructions.
Milk Thistle is commonly available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. It can also be found in tea bags or powder form. Capsules and tablets are the most prevalent, often standardized for their silymarin content.
Standardization means the extract is processed to contain a specific, guaranteed percentage of the active compound, silymarin. This process helps ensure consistency in potency between different batches and brands of the supplement. A common standardization level is 70-80% silymarin.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, milk thistle can interact with certain prescription medications, particularly those metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. This could potentially alter how the body processes drugs, affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining milk thistle with any medications.
Milk thistle is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. If severe or persistent side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Some research suggests that milk thistle might have mild antiplatelet effects, which theoretically could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. However, the evidence for this interaction is limited and conflicting. Individuals on blood thinners should discuss milk thistle use with their healthcare provider.
Milk thistle may have a mild blood sugar-lowering effect, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Those managing diabetes or taking medications to control blood sugar should monitor their glucose levels closely if using milk thistle. Discussing this with a healthcare provider is advised to prevent potential hypoglycemia.
Due to insufficient scientific data on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, milk thistle is generally not recommended for these populations. There is limited information regarding its potential effects on the fetus or infant. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before using any supplements during these periods.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Milk Thistle seed extract | 175 mg |
Blessed Thistle | 120 mg |
Categories
Goals
Detoxification 75.0
The standardized 175mg silymarin extract is appropriately dosed for liver detoxification benefits, making this a competent choice for supporting the body's natural cleansing processes.
Skin Health 60.0
Through its effective dose of standardized silymarin, the product supports liver health and detoxification, leading to indirect benefits for skin clarity and health.